If you’re overweight, it’s not enough just to shed excess pounds. Losing weight in the wrong manner can have long-term effects on your metabolism, blood glucose levels, and the amount of muscle tissue you have. The Ideal Protein system is designed to help you drop unwanted pounds safely and efficiently so that at the end of your program, you are not only thinner, but healthier.

What is Ideal Protein?

Ideal Protein was developed more than 20 years ago by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, who was particularly interested in how nutrition affected obesity and obesity-related disorders. According to Dr. Tran Tien, insulin dysfunction is a leading cause of obesity in today’s society. He claims that a diet containing large amounts of sugar and saturated fats results in an overproduction of insulin in the body, thereby causing the blood sugar to drop. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may then cause people to crave sugar, resulting in overeating and weight gain. Further complicating things is the fact that high insulin levels also prevent fat from being burned as energy.

How do People Gain Weight?

Three things provide energy for the body in the following order:

• Glycogen or carbohydrates
• Protein
• Fats

Most people who are trying to lose weight would rather shed fat first; however, the body’s own defense mechanisms prevent this from happening. As such, if you would like to burn fat, you must first deprive the body of carbohydrates in the form of sugar. At the same time, you must consume plenty of high-quality protein, which is easily absorbed by the body to prevent muscle loss.

The Ideal Protein diet contains loads of delicious food choices to help you reduce your caloric and carbohydrate intake, while at the same time ensuring adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals.  The program also contains supplements that provide many of the nutrients normally found in foods that are restricted while on this program.

Who is a Good Candidate for Ideal Protein?

Anyone who wants to lose weight and improve their health can benefit from Ideal Protein. Some patients who regularly choose this program may:

• Have difficulty sticking with a diet due to a busy lifestyle that prevents them from enjoying healthy meals.
• Be predisposed to diabetes and wish to get their blood sugar levels under control
• Want to maintain as much muscle mass as possible
• Need one-on-one coaching in order to stick with a regimen

Although it sounds simple, the Ideal Protein system is actually customized for each person. As such, you may also want to consider it if you have had little success with traditional diets that offer a “one size fits all” approach.

Does Ideal Protein Work?

One thing that makes Ideal Protein different from other weight loss systems is the fact that it is administered only by physicians. Doctors who have implemented this program report their patients not only lose weight and keep it off but show improvement in the following medical conditions:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Lipid profiles
• Metabolic syndrome
• Hyperinsulinemia, or high insulin levels in the blood
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes

What Can I Expect?

With assistance from Dr. McRae, you will develop a weight loss program that will help you shed between two and five pounds per week. You will go through an “adjustment period” in the beginning, during which time you may experience intense cravings. This is normal, and should only last a few days. Once you adapt to your new way of eating, you will notice fewer cravings and less hunger, and should also begin seeing the pounds virtually melt away.

After reaching your targeted weight, you will then enter the maintenance phase, which is designed to help you keep your results. If you do experience weight gain again, we recommend going back on the Ideal Protein program right away to ensure things do not get too far out of hand.

Hundreds of other patients in the San Antonio and Boerne, TX areas have achieved their weight loss goals using Ideal Protein, and you can too. Please contact McRae Medical Laser Spa today for an initial consultation.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me one syringe of Juvederm® in my lips. Juvederm® is a dermal filler that smooths and plumps the lips for a natural full look.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two syringes of Voluma™ in my cheeks. Voluma™ lifts and contours the cheeks to correct age related volume loss.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three vials of Kybella® in my chin. Kybella® improves moderate to severe fat below the chin for a more defined jaw line.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four facials with microdermabrasion. A facial with microdermabrasion deep cleans the skin while sloughing off the dead skin to improve the appearance of the face. It is also very relaxing.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five HA5 rejuvenating hydrators by SkinMedica®. HA5 is five different hyluronic acids that penetrate deep to stimulate the production of the skin’s own hyluronic acid to hydrate. HA5 also moisturizes the skin by pulling moisture from the air.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six sessions of tattoo removal with the new Enlighten Laser by Cutera®. The Enlighten Laser uses nanoseconds and picoseconds in order to break up the ink and remove tattoos better than ever before.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven Clear and Brilliant® Laser treatments bundled with microneedling by the Skinpen. The Clear and Brilliant® is a laser that penetrates deep in order to restore skin to a more youthful and even look, while also decreasing the size of pores. Microneedling with Skinpen is tiny needles that penetrate the skin to thicken the skin to reduce the appearance of pores and uneven skin from acne scars.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eighth SkinMedica® products to keep me on a regimen to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. TNS Essential Serum is the premium pharmaceutical grade anti-aging serum on the market only sold by physicians.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine baskets full of Jane Iredale® makeup and accumax. Jane Iredale® makeup is hypoallergenic; dermatologist tested and has SPF to protect from the sun’s harmful rays. Accumax is a dietary supplement that tones, firms, and tightens skin, while clearing acne.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me a package of ten Laser Genesis. Laser Genesis is a laser treatment that stimulates natural processes to reverse signs of aging and sun damage to promote healthy skin. It is known as the red carpet laser treatment in Hollywood!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me a Mia 2 Clarisonic® with eleven features. The Mia 2 is a water proof, two speed cleansing brush that cleans six times better than just using your hands. The Mia 2 has many different brush heads including sensitive, acne, and deep pore. The set also comes with a clarifying face wash, a travel protector, a travel bag, and a charger.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve sessions of TruSculpt. The TruSculpt uses radio frequency to shrink fat cells. It literally melts the fat away and can be used on the thighs, abdomen, chin, and neck. Pair with a firming lotion for optimal results.

Mention our 12 Days of Christmas blog and receive a 10 % discount on a gift certificate purchase.

The average person gains between seven and ten pounds in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Holiday festivities that are centered around food are unavoidable during this time of year, which means that to keep from gaining weight, you must make healthy food choices whenever possible. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorites, as making a few simple changes could be all that’s needed to help you keep things under control.

Low-Calorie Twists on Classic Favorites

Just because you are on a diet does not mean your guests want to dine on nothing but vegetables. A Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, and other traditional dishes, all of which are laden with calories. To ensure you are able to enjoy all your favorites while also reducing the number of calories you consume, consider:

• Substituting whole or 2% milk for the heavy cream in mashed potatoes
• Baking stuffing separately so that fat droppings will not add to the calorie count
• Making pies with phyllo dough, which is thinner and contains fewer calories than traditional crust.
• Using plain yogurt rather than sour cream in your green bean casserole
• Cutting the skin off of your turkey before serving, and consuming dark meat rather than white
• Using reduced fat cheese to make macaroni and cheese.

Burning those Thanksgiving Calories

There’s more you can do besides just modifying your favorite recipes. Here are a few ideas:

• Go on a brisk walk after a big meal. Better yet, take your family on a walk around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights rather than going for a drive in the car.
• When at a party, offer to help the host clean up. Doing so will get you up and away from the table so you won’t be tempted to get seconds.
• When you are the host, spend more time focusing on your guests. Getting up to refill drinks or take up dirty dishes will distract you and make it less likely that you will overeat.
• Don’t overdo it. Just because it’s Thanksgiving does not mean you are obligated to eat until you are stuffed.

Careful planning before the holiday is needed if you are to avoid weight gain during Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you do pack on a few extra pounds despite your best efforts, please contact us here at McRae Medical Laser Spa for a plan to help take them off.

Men and women both tend to notice pockets of submental fat forming below the chin as they age. Until now, there was little that could be done about a “double chin” aside from expensive treatments such as liposuction. The introduction of Kybella® changes all that, allowing people who are experiencing a double chin to virtually erase it.

What is Kybella®?

Kybella® is an FDA-approved form of deoxycholic acid designed specifically to tackle the problem of submental fullness. Deoxycholic acid is a molecule naturally found in the body that assists it with breaking down and absorbing dietary fat. Excess fat underneath the chin due to aging or weight gain can effectively be eliminated with Kybella®.

What Happens During a Kybella® Session?

During a treatment session, Dr. McRae will inject Kybella® into multiple areas of your chin, and then the medication goes to work breaking down fat molecules in that area. Once they are broken down, they are then absorbed naturally into the body.

Around two vials of Kybella® are used during each treatment session. Most patients achieve the ideal results within two to four sessions, but more severe conditions could require up to six sessions. There should be no more than one month between treatments.

Benefits of Kybella®

Patients who choose Kybella® to treat submental fullness can enjoy these benefits:

• Short treatment times often as little as ten minutes per session
• Permanent results, as fat cells that are destroyed during treatment, cannot rebuild themselves
• Safe and effective, producing only mild side effects such as light swelling or bruising
• Costs less than other more invasive procedures
• No downtime or recovery period required
• Provides better contours to the face and a more uplifted, youthful appearance
• Does not result in permanent scarring as is the case with many surgical procedures

Am I a Good Candidate for Kybella®?

The good news is that nearly anyone can benefit from Kybella® Even if your double chin is the result of weight gain, you may not necessarily eliminate it by losing weight. Kybella® is, therefore, an excellent option for anyone who would like to get rid of a double chin without having to undergo a facelift, neck lift, or other extensive surgery.

Although Kybella® is generally safe, women who are pregnant should not undergo treatment until after delivery. It is unknown whether or not the ingredients in Kybella® can be passed through breast milk, so mothers who are nursing should avoid it as well. Please let Dr. McRae know if you are taking any medications so she can check for possible interactions.

Kybella® is a revolutionary new method of combating that dreaded double chin. If you are bothered by pockets of fat underneath your chin, please make an appointment with Dr. McRae today to discuss Kybella®.

These days, there are more options than ever to help people look younger. One that has taken Hollywood by storm is Microcurrent, a system that provides tiny pulses of electricity to your muscles in order to “retrain” them. This system has been proven so effective that a number of celebrities routinely rely on Microcurrent just before high-profile “red carpet” events.

Celebrity Advocates of Microcurrent

Jennifer Lopez is one of the biggest advocates of Microcurrent-so much in fact that she has purchased her own machine and never leaves home without it. JLo reportedly spent $25,000 for her machine, although a less expensive version was recently introduced in the UK for personal use.

At her signature spa in New York City, Joana Vargas counts celebrities such as Sofia Coppola, Charlize Theron and Madonna as regular clients. Many of them come for her infamous “triple crown” facial, which includes a Microcurrent procedure, LED light therapy and an oxygen facial. The effects have been widely acclaimed, resulting in Ms. Vargas being mentioned in high-profile publications such as Vogue Magazine and the New York Times.

Donna Pace, owner of Jade Esthetics and a renowned “facialist to the stars”, has developed the procedure down to a fine science so much so that her clientele include celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Linda Evangelist, and Susan Sarandon. On the Oprah Winfrey Show, she remarked that “After exhaustive research, extensive training and incorporation of customized modifications, the results have exceeded my greatest expectations.”

The key according to Pace is choosing a good Microcurrent machine, as not all equipment is created equally (something Jennifer Lopez apparently knows all too well.) She also claims that “The success of micro-current application is greatly influenced by the technique and knowledge of the esthetician, as the proper placement of the electrodes is crucial.” As such, your results will vary based upon the skill level of your aesthetician.

Dr. Phil joined Oprah in signing the praises of Microcurrent. Both have remarked that Microcurrent is one of the “greatest result-oriented alternatives to plastic surgery” available.

Microcurrent technology is nothing new. In fact, it has been around for more than two decades. During that time, it is said to have been used by stars such as Kim Bassinger, Elle McPherson, Goldie Hawn, Meg Ryan, and even Princess Diana. Although the procedure has changed slightly over the years, once thing that has remained constant is that it improves elasticity, smooths wrinkles, and provides greater firmness to the skin.

You don’t have to be famous or have lots of money to enjoy the benefits of Microcurrent. This procedure is offered safely and affordably for our patients in San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding areas in Texas. Please give Dr. Elizabeth McRae a call today to find out more.

Here at McRae Medical Laser Spa, we often meet patients who wish to look younger without undergoing a facelift. Two procedures we often recommend are Botox® and Ultherapy®, both of which can provide you with some amazing results. How do you know which one is right for you? Here is some information that will help you decide.

Procedures

Botox® is a neuro toxin containing a safe, effective form of botulinum toxin that is injected underneath the skin in the forehead or brow area. It is primarily used to correct forehead wrinkles, frown lines and so-called “crow’s feet” around the eyes. It works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in this area, thereby giving the skin a smoother appearance.

Ultherapy® on the other hand, uses ultrasound waves to penetrate deep layers of your skin. These waves encourage collagen production, something that naturally decreases as you grow older. This, in turn, plumps the skin from underneath, providing fullness and firmer, younger-looking skin. Although it may be used in a number of areas, it is most effective at lifting sagging cheeks and jaws.

Which One is Right?

Since these two procedures primarily treat different areas of the face, the one you choose will largely depend on which problem you are trying to correct. Many of our patients choose Ultherapy to help lift the skin on the lower part of the face, followed by a Botox® injection a week or two later to smooth forehead wrinkles.

Some other things to keep in mind:

• Ultherapy® is non-invasive, as laser beams are transmitted with the use of a special hand piece. Botox® is minimally invasive, requiring only the use of a very thin needle.
• The results of Botox® may last around six months, while Ultherapy® benefits can be seen for up to two years. This means that if you are having Botox® in conjunction with Ultherapy®, you will require approximately three to four maintenance injections during that time.
• The full effects of Botox® are seen almost immediately. With Ultherapy®, you will notice some improvement within a few days, but it will take several weeks for the full effects to become visible.
• You may require two or three Ultherapy® sessions to achieve the look you desire. Only one Botox® injection is need to provide you with optimum results.
• While Ultherapy® can lift sagging skin, it is not designed to replace lost volume due to aging. As such, if you are concerned with sunken cheeks, you could need an additional filler such as Juvederm® or Voluma®.

The Bottom Line

Ultherapy® and Botox® are both effective treatments that can erase years off of your face without surgery. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. McRae to discuss the benefits of each and find out which one is right for you.

Teens and young adults are well known for acting without thinking, and getting a tattoo is at the top of the list of acting before thinking.  From having a boyfriend or girlfriend’s name tattooed across their shoulder or upper arm to a huge design across the lower back or down the lower arm (a sleeve), suddenly they are left with a permanent “mark” on their bodies that they are thrilled about – that is until they realize the indelible ink on their bodies is not what they thought it would be. Suddenly getting the tattoo was not the best idea, especially when they want to enter the job force and the very visible tattoo seems to be holding them back or even preventing them from getting a dream job.

Enter laser tattoo removal…

Tattoo removal is a growing trend.  When you think that one in five US adults has at least one tattoo (Harris Poll 2012 Survey), it is inevitable that some will change their minds and want the design removed.  Further studies by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery indicate that dermatologists performed over 90,000 tattoo removal procedures in 2013, a 52 percent increase over the prior year.

The Enlighten™ laser tattoo removal system by Cutera®, a leader in laser and light-based aesthetic systems, offers the newest and most innovative breakthrough in tattoo removal.  FDA-approved since November 2014, it has the ability to remove permanent discoloration and unwanted tattoos with the most advanced laser system.  With a dual wavelength and dual pulse duration laser, this system operates at pico-second and nano-second durations to erase a wide variety and color range of tattoos, ink compositions and even benign skin discolorations.

With picosecond lasers, the energy from the beam enters the skin in a much shorter time period which allows for more destruction of the ink particles. Ultimately, this equates to a fewer number of treatments to remove the tattoo.

With the Enlighten™, the following facts about the system are worth noting:

• Typically takes between three and six sessions depending on the extent and depth of the tattoo
• Works on any ink color with darker colors being easier to remove
• Less painful than with other laser tattoo removal systems
• Less destruction of surrounding tissue
• Removes benign pigmented lesions

According to a recent Market Watch article, revenue from tattoo removal has surged to an estimated $75 million over the past decade and is expected to climb.  Cutera® expects the industry to grow at a progressive rate of 19 percent by 2017.

It is never too early to be thinking about bikini season. Next thing you know it’ll be here and your chance to get in shape will have slipped away from you!

With truSculpt™, you can eliminate stubborn fat for a great bikini body. A handheld device heats the fat in the treated areas in four-minute pulses – permanently eliminating it. The handheld device enables precise navigation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, such as curves and smaller regions. truSculpt™ was recently cleared by the FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and has shown to help achieve up to 25% reduction of fat and there is no downtime.

You can go right back to work after the appointment. Look smoother and slimmer before you need to get into a bikini!

Many patients see results in 6 to 12 weeks – so call McRae MD Medical Laser Spa today at 830-331-9600. One of our experts would be happy to talk to you about the available options, and set you up with a free consultation.